To get into the specifics of free flight, we have come to skydiving, or parachuting. This is an activity that involves free falling from a great height while using a parachute. Of all forms of free flight, sky diving is probably the most popular and most commercial. As a result, it is performed today as a recreational activity and a competitive sport, as well as for the deployment of military personnel and occasionally forest firefighters.

Typically, a trained skydiver (or jumper) and a group of associates meet at the "dropzone". A fixed base operator at that airport usually operates one or more light cargo aircrafts, and takes groups of skydivers up for a fee.
 
Usually, a jump would involve most individuals jumping out of an aircraft - usually an airplane, helicopter or the gondola of a balloon - which is travelling at approximately 4000 metres (around 13,000 feet) altitude, before free-falling for a while until it is time to activate the parachute which will slow the landing down to safe speeds.

Once the parachute is opened, the jumper can control his or her direction and speed with cords called "steering lines," with hand grips called "toggles" that are attached to the parachute, and so he or she can aim for the landing site and come to a relatively gentle stop in a safe landing environment.

There is always the fear that parachutes do not open up. Thus, most parachutes, if not all, have a backup within the backpack. However, most people tend to jump with a trained jumper. This means that the jumper (in this case, you) is harnessed to a professional, and the both of you will jump together but the professional will do all the hard work while you enjoy the ride!

To look for resources about sky diving and the different places and costs of taking a jump, use the Traveller Trail's Travelogues and Directory for an endless source of information!